"Spellbound"
CBC/Radio-Canada has acquired the Federation Kids & Family live action tween series "Spellbound" for English and French audiences in Canada. The series will be launched on CBC Gem later this year, and on ICI TOU.TV during the 2023 – 24 broadcast season. Shot in a cinematic style and scheduled for delivery in spring, "Spellbound" (26 x ½ hrs.), which is budgeted at 15.3M euros, is a high-concept series with diversity and inclusivity at the heart of the production which interweaves the worlds of ballet, magic, witchcraft and more.
Inspired and created by the same original showrunners of the hit series "Find Me in Paris", Jill Girling and Lori Mather, "Spellbound" is produced by Cottonwood Media in co-production with Opéra national de Paris and ZDF Studios, and leading international broadcasters ZDF, France Télévisions and U.S. streamer Hulu. Federation Kids & Family and ZDF Studios are handling worldwide sales.
Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC commented: “The team at CBC Kids is excited to see 'Spellbound' come to life. The dancers are electric against the stunning mise en scène and we think kids will really enjoy this fun and fresh take on magic.”
Simon Dupuis, Senior Director, Acquisitions & Speciality Channels, Radio-Canada commented: “Cottonwood Media has established an enviable reputation for producing the massive international teen drama hit 'Find Me in Paris'. We believe that kids will be attracted to 'Spellbound' as much as were reading the pitch. It has all the ingredients to become another success and Radio-Canada is proud to bring this series to its audiences!”
Monica Levy, Co-Chief of Distribution, Federation Kids & Family said: “We are delighted to have closed this deal with CBC/Radio-Canada as we ramp up international sales over the coming months. In respect of this specific deal, it’s also an added bonus that our lead actress Hailey Romain is Canadian herself.”
Co-founders of Cottonwood Media, David Michel, Cécile Lauritano & Zoé Carrera Allaix said: “We are working with some amazing broadcast partners on this big budget series, and we always look out for that ‘special’ something when it comes to seeking out new international talent for our productions in a bid to find the right individuals to bring our characters to life whilst reciprocally nurturing their skills – and we are confident some of these amazing new actors will soon have viewers under their spell!”
"Spellbound" follows Cece Parker Jones, a vivacious 15 year old who relocates to Paris from a small town in the US to study at the Paris Opera Ballet School, and she’s on top of the world. But things turn upside down when she discovers a book of family spells in the back room of her Aunt Ginger’s apothecary which is dedicated to organic and plant-based products. Part of the cast are Hailey Romain and Margherita Barbieri, Abigail O’Regan, Etienne Moana, Sam Darius, and Zac Gabriel Werb, as well as Raven Dauda, Malou Beauvoir, Rik Young, Cameron James-King, Gomolémo Tsagaé, Imogen Mackie Walker and Charles Baker.